Patrick W. Henning
June 11, 1946 - December 10, 2021
Patrick Willliam Henning, born and raised in San Francisco, California passed away peacefully on December 10, 2021 at 75 years old in Sacramento, California. Henning had struggled in his brief but very difficult fight with cancer and was surrounded by his family, who cared for him with love throughout his illness and in his final days.

Known as Pat to family and friends, Henning led his life dedicated to service, with over 40 years in labor relations and law, including staff director to both the California State Assembly and Senate Labor Committees, State Labor Commissioner, and Director of California Employment Development Department. He was also Executive Director of the Catholic Labor Institute of Los Angeles, union representative, Chair of Developmental Disabilities Area Board 10, and Staff Sergeant in the United State Marine Corps Reserve. Henning was ordained a Permanent Deacon in the Catholic church in 1992.

He is survived by his loving wife Gina of over fifty years. They raised four children: his son Patrick, son Robert (deceased), daughter Erin, and son Michael. He also leaves behind four grandchildren; Chloe, Joseph, Nora, and Jack. Devoted brother of John, Brian (deceased), Nancy, Daniel, Thomas, and Mary. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and many other family and friends.

In remembrance of Patrick Henning's dedicated life of service, and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to St. Anthony's Dining Room - charity in San Francisco, California.

A funeral service is scheduled for 10:00 AM on December 20, 2021 at St Mel Church, at 4745 Pennsylvania Ave. in Fair Oaks, California.

Rosary and Vigil Information: The vigil service will be on Sunday evening, December 19, 4:00PM at St. Mel Church.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Dec. 14 to Dec. 18, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Patrick Henning

Sponsored by St. Mary Cemetery & Funeral Center.

20 Entries

YVONNE WILSON

December 10, 2024

Patrick was Consultant to the Assembly Labor Committee, Chaired by Steve Peace, and we had the opportunity to have offices on the same floor of the Capitol. One day Pat came to my desk and placed a small trophy on my desk and said, "This is for the best committee secretary in the Capitol."

Elizabeth (Lisa) Ecks

December 10, 2023

Was just at the State Capitol this past week, and thought of wonderful Pat Henning. His memory lives on, and is cherished. With care to his family.

Robert Farnsworth

January 19, 2022

Great guy and a strong supporter of organized labor.
RIP

Elizabeth Ecks

December 28, 2021

Pat was such a beautiful person. A tireless advocate for social justice, but perhaps even more importantly, he was just so kind. I remember Pat as a dignified & joy filled person. The last time I saw Pat was outside a Catholic Church after mass. I will cherish that moment and the opportunity to work with him. May Pat´s family find strength as they grieve the loss of his physical presence. My hope for them is they continue to feel wrapped in his love. May God eternally hold and bless Pat Henning. He will be missed.

Elise Thurau

December 27, 2021

Condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of working with Pat on several labor/employment issues when we both worked in the State Capitol. Pat was a magnificent and inspirational person in every way and one that I will never forget.

Dennis Tuohy

December 22, 2021

First of all, condolences to Gina and the entire Henning clan. One of the really good ones is gone, but definitely not forgotten. Last saw Pat at one of our St. Emydius class of 1960 get togethers. As a strong Union man (Electrician) we had a lot to talk about. So I think I can speak for the whole class, when I say Ride In Peace, Buddy. See ya at our 100th reunion. I'm attaching a picture to show how far we go back. Kindergarten 1951. Me, back row 4th from left and Pat, 7th from the left. Things were sure different back then

Kim DeWeese

December 21, 2021

Gina,
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you hugs of comfort.

Clay Jackson

December 20, 2021

My prayers for a truly fine man with the heart of and for the ordinary person. May you rest in peace.

Sally M. McKeag

December 20, 2021

Pat Henning was my boss at EDD. He was a generous, good-hearted man, and I will always appreciate his support and humor when I needed it the most. My sympathies to his family; he will be missed!

John Lowney

December 19, 2021

What a wonderful and compassionate human being. I first met him at the Capitol and on breaks he was always engaging in conversation not only with other staff members but the custodial and maintenance people too. I got transferred to EDD about the same time as he became director. When he saw me outside his office in the hallway he called me in to chat much to the chagrin of his executive staff. He was an advocate for the working person constantly looking for ways to prevent injustice. He was truly one of God's soldiers doing God's work and he will be missed by all that knew him. My sympathies to his family.

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

The Trasvina Family

Sent Flowers

Yvonne Wilson

December 15, 2021

One day, Patrick surprised me with a small trophy and said, I was the greatest Committee Secretary in the State Capitol. He was always passing by Asmbr Moore's office with witty jokes. He was so wonderful.

Yvonne Wilson (Cmte Secretary)

Sent Flowers

Julie Sly

December 15, 2021

I offer my condolences to Pat's family and friends. I enjoyed interviewing Pat and doing this article on him for The Catholic Herald in 2005, when he was director of the EDD. May he rest in peace. http://www.catholicvoiceoakland.org/2005/05_03_07/inthisissue13.html

Brian Annis

December 15, 2021

My deepest condolences to the Henning family. In the early 2000's I was a Consultant for the Senate Office of Budget and Fiscal Review. In that role, I handled the budgets of the labor-related departments and worked with Pat while he was Staff Director for the Labor Committee. What a generous and knowledgeable man - he was a recognized expert but also a great friend to so many.

Kathryn Rees

December 15, 2021

In my 43 lobbying career, Pat was always one of the highlights to work with-kind, fair, and always accessible. All who knew him were richer for the experience. And his great courage to stand up and deliver a homily-and his homilies were great. RIP, Pat.

Grace Flynn-Smith

December 14, 2021

Pat was a witty and wise family member. I have fond memories of him adding optimistic comments and much laughter around our Thanksgiving celebration table in the early 60's and 70's at Aunt Rosemary and Uncle Bill's Huntingting Beach, CA home. His stories were the highlights of many of our visits together. I will miss him. May he rest in peace.

Stephen Saucedo

December 14, 2021

My condolences to the Henning family and their loved ones for Pat's passing.

I met him during my years of working in and around the State Capitol back in the 1980s. He was always sharp, friendly, and funny.

God Rest Him & Comfort Those Who Loved Him

John Trasvina

December 14, 2021

Pat Henning -- an extraordinary man from an amazing family. He will be remembered not just for how he touched and improved the lives of those close to him but for how he touched and improved the lives of countless working men and women who did not need to reside in the corridors of power to be uppermost in his consciousness.

John Goulde

December 14, 2021

We will miss you Pat, a man of humor, wit, and overwhelming humanity.

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